asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount raised by local taxation in England and Wales in the financial years 1897–8 and 1907–8 respectively; and what proportion of the amount so raised is in respect of property coming within the scope of the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896?

The answer to the first part of the question is as follows:—

Year.	…	…	…	…	Total amount of public rates received by local authorities.
1897–8	…	…	…	…	£37,605,300
1907–8	…	…	…	…	69,627,500

The amounts actually raised by assessment in respect of agricultural land cannot be given for these years or any other years since 1896–7. The following estimated amounts, which are based on average rates in the pound, and the rateable value of

agricultural land and other property, respectively, are the best available for purposes of comparison:—

		Total amount estimated to have been received in respect of
Year.		(a) Agricultural	(b) Other hero-land, ditaments.
1897–8	…	£1,790,400	£35,545,700
1907–8	…	2,394,500	56,979,700

These latter sums exclude the amounts raised by land drainage boards and some similar authorities.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the total amount of spirits manufactured in England, Scotland, and Ireland for the year ending 30th September, 1910, as supplied for the years 1907, 1908, and 1909, in Parliamentary Paper, No. 70, of Session 1910?

Statement of the total amount of spirits manufactured in England, Scotland, and Ireland for the year ended 30th September, 1910 (as supplied for the year 1907, 1908, and 1909, in Parliamentary Paper, No. 70, of Session 1910):—

—	England.	Scotland.	Ireland.
	Proof Galls.	Proof Galls.	Proof Galls.
Distilleries manufacturing Yeast—
Pot and Patent	2,984,336	817,887	4,024,242
Patent	106,967	7,527,422	2,739,137
Pot	—	—	—
Distilleries not manufacturing Yeast—
Pot and Patent	4,162,738	1,655,491	842,374
Patent	3,703,546	3,427,846	—
Pot	—	6,675,898	2,387,342
Totals	10,957,587	20,104,544	9,993,095

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the statements in the Press purporting to give details of his proposals for State insurance against sickness and invalidity; whether they were issued with his authority; and can he state how soon the House will be placed in possession of the main outlines of his scheme as disclosed in confidence to a certain representative of a particular friendly society?

My right hon. Friend's attention was called to the statements referred to, which were issued entirely without his authority or knowledge. The scheme will be communicated in the usual manner to the House of Commons as soon as it is completed and embodied in a Bill.

asked the Chancellor if he will consider the advisability of setting up an inquiry into the incidence of liquor and licensing taxation, with a view to determining whether and to what extent injustices and anomalies are prevalent in the present system; in what proportion taxation falls upon the manufacturer, the distributor, and the consumer; and to consider whether improved methods are practicable in order to secure an equitable adjustment of this class of taxation?

I think any such inquiry would be premature, at any rate until the process of ascertaining Annual Licence Value in pursuance of Section 44 of the Finance (1909–10) Act is completed.

asked will the Road Board undertake to give priority to the main trunk roads through the inland portions of Ireland before they commence making the tourists' road around the coast of Ireland as laid down on the map prepared by the Road Board?

The Road Board have sent to each County Council in Ireland a map indicating the roads, both on the coast and inland, towards the improvement of which they consider their first contributions should fee made. In selecting from those roads the portions which should be dealt with in the first instance the Board will consider any applications and representations which have been made, or may be made, to them by the County Councils responsible for the improvement and maintenance of the roads in question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what was the data before the Road Board before they issued their circular of the 9th February, addressed to the Irish county councils, that decided them to offer a grant for a motor road for tourists all around the coast of Ireland; what steps did they take to obtain the views of road authorities in Ireland concerning this coast road; is it their intention to administer the Act in the interests of motor tourists; and will they consider the desirability of having a representative in Ireland to advise them as to Irish views and Irish road requirements?

Before the Road Board issued their circular of 9th February addressed to Irish county councils they had before them applications from nearly all the county councils in Ireland. They have also had representations from the Irish County Councils' General Council and the Irish County Surveyors' Association. It is not the intention of the Road Board to administer the Road Improvenment Fund in the interests of any one section of this community.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the number of departments from which a memorial concerning the pay and prospects of assistant clerks has been received; and the action that has been taken with this memorial since it arrived at the Treasury?

The memorial was forwarded by twenty-three departments. It has been under consideration by the Treasury, and a reply to it will shortly be sent.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury how many assistant clerks are at present serving in the Customs Statistical Office, and how many are eligible by service for promotion; to what class is it intended to promote meritorious men; what is the method of selection for such promotion; and is the present system of depleting the Statistical Office of assistant clerks possessing the requisite merit and ability for promotion to be continued?

There are 212 assistant clerks (namely, thirty-two abstractors, old class, and 180 assistant clerks, new class) now serving in the Statistical Office, and of these, 130 (namely, thirty-two abstractors, old class, and ninety-eight assistant clerks, new class) are eligible by service for promotion. Promotions from the class may be made from time to time, exceptionally and solely on the ground of special merit, to junior clerkships in the Statistical Office and to Customs port clerkships outside the office, selections being based on the reports of the assistant clerks' superiors. In addition, the class of minor staff officers in the Office is wholly recruited from the body of assistant clerks in the Office. Promotions to port clerkships outside the office, being made exceptionally, do not constitute a serious drain on the resources of the Office.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury how long second division clerks have been employed in the Customs Statistical Office; what is the reason they have not been replaced by assistant clerks, in view of the fact that they are engaged on duties similar to those assigned to assistant clerks; and will he promise that these men will not be placed on the establishment of the Statistical Office, in view of the large number of assistant clerks in the office who are eligible by service for promotion?

Thirteen referees have already been appointed. Two more are about to be appointed. Of the thirteen already appointed, one is a fellow of the Auctioneers' Institute.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, owing to the present uncertainty as to the future method of recruiting the port clerical establishment in the Customs Department, serious inconvenience is caused to candidates preparing for the prospective entrance examinations for the service; and whether he can hold out hope that a settlement of the question will shortly be arrived at?

The settlement of this question depends on the recommendations of the Customs and Excise Amalgamation Committee, whose report, as I have already stated, is being prepared with all possible despatch.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he was aware that Michael Kenny entered the Customs in the year 1877 as messenger, and became caretaker and housekeeper in 1883; that Kenny's wife acted as housekeeper and cleaner at a salary of £13 a year from this time until the 1st of January of this year, although her husband died in 1894, and that her salary has been reduced to 4s. a week; and, if so, will the salary be again increased to its former amount?

Michael Kenny was an ex-soldier and the whole of his service in the Customs was in an unestablished capacity. The exact year of his first employment cannot be stated, but it is the fact that he held the post of caretaker of the offices at Limerick from 1883 until his death in 1894, receiving in addition to his pay, free quarters, and an allowance of £13 a year for cleaning the Customs offices. During this time Mrs. Kenny was not employed by the Department in any way, but on her husband's death another caretaker was appointed, and Mrs. Kenny was then employed, as cleaner only, receiving the cleaning allowance of £13 formerly paid to her husband. Separate arrangements existed for cleaning the Excise offices, which are in the same building as the Customs offices. The Excise cleaner died in August last, and, in the interest of efficiency, advantage was taken of this fact to place the whole of the cleaning arrangements in the hands of the resident caretaker. Mrs. Kenny's employment by the Department was terminated and a special gratuity of £10 has been granted to her. The Board are informed that the new caretaker has since engaged her to assist in the cleaning work, and that he pays her 4s. a week for her services. This, however, is not a matter in which the Department is concerned.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state how many referees have been appointed under Clause 33 of the Finance Act, 1909; and how many of them are fellows of the Surveyors' Institute and how many are fellows of the Auctioneers' Institute?

Thirteen referees have already been appointed. Two more are about to be appointed. Of the thirteen already appointed, one is a fellow of the Auctioneers' Institute. All of them are fellows of the Surveyors' Institute.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the salaries of the clerks of the pension committees in the county Roscommon for the quarter ending 31st December have been paid; and, if not, whether he will see that this is done immediately?

I am informed that orders for payment of the fees due to the clerks in question are on the point of being issued.

asked whether Carnarvon slate is now included among the slates that may be used on public works in Ireland; and, if not, to whom application should be made for its inclusion on the official list?

It is the practice of the Board of Public Works, Ireland, to indicate the standard of slate they require by mentioning some slate known in the trade as reaching that standard. It is then open to a contractor to propose to use a slate from another quarry, and provided the Board are satisfied as to the qualities of the slate proposed to be used they place no restrictions on their contractors as to the place from which the supply is obtained.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, if the Congested Districts Board have received a memorial from a number of people residing in the electoral division of Bonnybeg, Mohill rural district, county Leitrim, asking that a grant may be given to them to help to make the old road from Bonnybeg to Keelogue; and whether, if a portion of the cost is defrayed by the local district council, the Board will contribute the other portion, as the people residing in this locality require a road badly?

The memorial referred to has been received. The Congested Districts Board do not make grants for the repair of roads, even if the District Council contributes part of the cost.

asked how many pupils who had passed the King's scholarship examination in the first and second divisions were called to training last September in the different male and female training colleges respectively; and how many pupils were admitted to the different training colleges from the preparatory schools attached to those colleges, and the different grades in which they passed?

The number of candidates who passed the King's Scholarship examination in September, 1910, in the first and second divisions who were admitted to the various training colleges is as follows:—Men: 1st Division, 172; 2nd Division, 80. Women: 1st Division, 321; 2nd Division, 24. Some of the colleges have preparatory schools for candidates for training, but as such institutions receive no grants from the State the Commissioners of National Education are unable to supply the numbers as regards them. The number of candidates admitted to the various training colleges from National schools attached to them is as follows:—1st Division, 23; 2nd Division, 3.

asked the Chief Secretary if the Congested Districts Board have received memorials from tenants on the Duckworth, Harlech, M'Terney, La Touche, Lawder, M'Keon, Weston, Rowley, Leitrim, and West estates all situate in the county of Leitrim; and whether, as some of those estates are highly rented, and in some cases the tenants are future tenants and a great deal of the land of very bad quality, the Board will put the compulsory powers of the Land Act of 1909 into operation with a view to selling those estates to the tenants, thus placing them in an equal position with those tenants on neighbouring estates who have purchased their holdings under the Land Act of 1903 and previous Acts?

The Congested Districts Board have received memorials from the tenants on the estates referred to. Negotiations for purchase are proceeding with respect to the Duckworth, P. La Touche and Lawder Estates, but have not been entered into as regards the Harlech, M'Terney, M'Keon, and West Estates. The Board do not possess sufficient particulars as regards the Weston, Rowley and Leitrim Estates to enable them to enter into communication with the landlords. The Board cannot, as regards all these estates, offer any opinion as to the rents, the nature of the tenancies, or the quality of the land, but the Board will do all in their power to hasten land purchase in the congested districts, if necessary, by the use of their compulsory powers.

asked the Chief Secretary what steps, if any, have been taken recently by the Congested Districts Board to complete the negotiations for the purchase of the Jermyn Estate at Castle Cove, county Kerry; whether he is aware that there are not many tenants on the estate; and whether, in view of the fact that both the neighbouring estates have been sold to the occupying tenants, and that extensive improvements have been carried out by the Congested Districts Board on the neighbouring Burns-Hartopp estate, and that for many years the Jermyn tenants have done their utmost to complete the purchase negotiations, the Board will now use their best endeavours to secure that the estate is sold?

The Congested Districts Board inform me that negotiations for the purchase of the Jermyn Estate are proceeding, the landlord having offered to sell. The estate has been valued, and no avoidable delay will occur in taking steps for the completion of the purchase.

asked why the sale of the Burke estate, at Gurtavalla, East Doon, county Limerick, is not being completed; and, having regard to the fact that the purchase agreements have been signed for six years, will steps be taken to have vesting orders issued as soon as possible, and thus prevent any further hardship being inflicted on the tenants, who are paying at the rate of 3¾ per cent. interest?

The estate referred to will be dealt with in order of priority. The Estates Commissioners hope that it will be reached in its turn during the financial year beginning 1st April next.

asked whether on 4th February, 1910, the tenants of Mrs. Agnes M'Donnell, of the Valley, Achill, county Mayo, sent a request to the Congested Districts Board to have the estate purchased under the Land Purchase Act, 1909; and what steps, if any, the Board have since taken to acquire the estate for the tenants?

The Congested Districts Board received a request from the tenants to purchase Mrs. M'Donnell's estate. The Board wrote to her asking if she would sell her estate, but she replied refusing to negotiate with the Board. The Board have not taken any further steps to acquire the estate.

asked in how many cases agreements for the purchase of estates in Mayo county have been entered into by the Congested Districts Board under the Land Purchase Act, 1909; in how many cases have landlords refused to sell voluntarily; and when the Board intend to enforce the compulsory clauses of the Act in the cases of such refusal?

The Congested Districts Board have made offers for ten estates in county Mayo under the Act of 1909, but only three purchase agreements have been completed. A number of owners of Mayo estates refused to sell voluntarily, while fifty-four owners have offered to sell, and their estates are now being inspected or are awaiting inspection. Up to the present time the Board have not thought it necessary to apply their compulsory powers to the purchase of any estate in county Mayo.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he would state if the Congested Districts Board had received a memorial from the tenants on the Marsham and West estate, Ballinaglera, county Leitrim, who are still compelled to pay the old rack rent; and whether, having regard to the congestion in that district, the Board purposed taking any action to purchase the estate and relieve congestion?

The Congested Districts Board have received a memorial from the tenants in respect of each of the estates referred to. The agent of the Marsham estate has lodged the necessary rentals to enable a valuation to be made, and the lands will be inspected at an early date. The owner of the West estate is willing to sell, but declines to offer the estate until the tenants have paid their rents.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners nave acquired and paid for the estate of Colonel FitzHenry Smyth, situate at Newtown, county Meath; whether any of their inspectors have been negotiating with a farmer from the western part of Ireland to come and occupy it; will he state what negotiations have taken place; and whether the Estates Commissioners received a memorial from the inhabitants of the district asking that it should be divided between them?

The purchase money of this estate has not been paid, and the lands have not been vested in the Estates Commissioners; but the estate is the subject of proceedings for sale to them under the. Irish Land Act, 1903, and they have entered into a formal agreement for purchase. There is a large mansion house, with outbuildings, on the lands; and one of the Commissioners' inspectors suggested it might be sold to a large farmer on another estate, whose holding is urgently required for the relief of adjoining small holders. The memorial referred to has been received and will be duly considered before any scheme of allotment is approved by the Commissioners. The lands are at present set under a temporary letting for grazing up to 1st November next.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that in the opinion of experts beet can be successfully and profitably grown in Ireland; and, if so, whether the Department of Agriculture will take steps to promote and encourage the cultivation of that crop?

The Department of Agriculture in Ireland are aware that beet can be grown in Ireland, but do not believe that under existing circumstances it can be grown profitably.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the number of bays in Ireland in which steam trawling is by law permitted, and the minimum tonnage of the vessels engaged therein?

The number of places in which steam trawling is prohibited is so great and the restrictions so varied that it would be inconvenient to detail them in the form of a reply to a question. I will send a list of them to the hon. Member. The by-laws prohibiting or restricting trawling do not provide exemptions in regard to vessels under a certain tonnage save in the case of Bantry Bay, where steam trawling is prohibited by vessels of more than twenty tons net register, and Waterford Harbour where, within certain points, all kinds of trawling is prohibited by boats exceeding ten tons measurement.

asked whether provision has been made to pay the salaries of the Irish national teachers monthly from 1st April, 1911?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question of the hon. Member for Cork City on the 16th instant.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that Esther Fox, of King's County, applied to the No. 5 district pension committee for an old age pension, which the committee granted her in face of the opposition of the pension officer, who held that her income exceeded £31 10s. per annum, she receiving her keep and a home from a person who was under no liability to support her; that, according to the pension officer's calculation, this was valued at 7s. per week, though the committee thought that 5s. per week amply represented maintenance in a farmer's house; that, on the pension officer's appeal, the Local Government Board refused the pension; that subsequently Esther Fox again applied and was allowed the pension of 5s. per week on her new application to the committee, the pension officer being of opinion that the applicant was only entitled to 2s. per week; and that she again appealed and on the 12th November, 1910, the Local Government Board decided that she was not entitled to any pension, notwithstanding the fact that the officer was prepared to agree to a pension of 2s. per week; and will he now cause this case to be reopened and inquired into, and the Local Government Board old age inspector asked to make a report as to the applicant's circumstances and the value of her maintenance and keep?

Esther Fox has at different times made three claims. The first was disallowed by the local pension subcommittee on the ground that her means exceeded the statutory limit, and no appeal was made against this decision. On each of the other two claims the committee granted her a pension of five shillings a week, but the Pension Officer appealed. On both occasions he estimated the value of her maintenance at £26 per annum, but on the second claim interest was calculated by him at the rate of 4 per cent. on a sum of £150 which claimant had in the bank, while on the third claim interest was calculated at only 1¾ per cent. The Board is not bound by a Pension Officer's estimate, and did not adopt it in this case. They considered that her support, benefits, and privileges on a farm, rented at £36 per annum and carrying thereon cattle and two horses, besides other stock and crops, was worth more than £31 10s. a year. It is not in their power to reopen the case.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will consider the advisability of inserting a clause in the contemplated Labourers (Ireland) Bill extending the provisions of the Labourers (Ireland) Acts to urban areas with populations not exceeding 5,000, so as to enable the local authorities to provide agricultural labourers in such areas with suitable dwellings and plots at rents which they can afford to pay out of the wages obtainable in such districts and which exclude them from the advantages of the Housing of the Working Classes (Ireland) Act?

In the opinion of the Local Government Board the Housing of the Working Classes Acts adequately meet the wants of the working population in urban areas, and the difficulties alleged by the hon. Member to exist can be met if urban councils will refrain from adopting expensive plans, and will erect plain comfortable buildings which can be let at a moderate rent. The housing operations in urban and rural districts must be administered separately by separate authorities and under separate Acts, or great confusion would ensue. It would be beyond the scope of the Bill to include such a provision as is suggested.

asked the Chief Secretary whether a deputation from the Congested Districts Board has recently waited on the Development Fund Board with a view to taking common action in regard to the question of arterial drainage in the West of Ireland; and, if so, if he can state whether any definite scheme has been decided upon?

A committee of the Congested Districts Board had an interview recently with the chairman and vice-chairman of the Development Commission, at which the question of arterial drainage amongst others was discussed. No definite scheme in relation to any of the matters discussed was decided upon.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention had been called to the want of a deep-water pier at Baltimore; whether the Congested Districts Board for Ireland some years ago recognised that want and promised to have a pier constructed; and, in view of the fact that a bridge across the Lee, connecting the termini of the railways in the city of Cork, is in course of construction, he will give this matter his immediate attention and facilitate the loading of fish in the trucks of the railway company at Baltimore and thereby give the hundreds of fishermen who frequent Baltimore an opportunity of placing their fish in the English markets without unnecessary delay?

The Congested Districts Board did not promise to have a pier constructed at Baltimore, but stated that if a satisfactory scheme were prepared they would consider what sum they would contribute towards the cost of the work. The Board have always recognised that a deep water pier, with a railway siding, would be of very great advantage to the fishing industry at Baltimore. The matter is at present engaging the attention of the Board.

asked the Chief Secretary how many applications have been made to the Board of National Education in Ireland for grants for building new schools which have not been dealt with by the Board owing to the want of funds; will he state what amount these unsatisfied applications represent; during what period they were made; and what steps he proposes to take for the purpose of providing funds for the erection of these schools?

There are at present before the Commissioners of National Education 260 applications for Grants towards the erection of new school-houses which cannot be dealt with owing to want of funds. These applications, if granted, would represent, it is estimated, a State expenditure of £180,000. About 180 of these applications were received during the last three years. The other eighty are of a much older date. As regards the last paragraph of the question I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the question of the hon. Member for North Kildare on 22nd November last.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Section 29 of the Labourers Act of 1906, Sub-section 3, in regard to the rents to be fixed for the letting of cottages, has led to friction between the Local Government Board and certain district councils in the South of Ireland, owing to the former body seeking to compel the latter to fix rents on a higher scale than the circumstances of the localities or the means of the labourers warranted; whether he is aware that in the case of Newcastle West District Council the Local Government Board insisted that the minimum rent for cottages with half-acre allotments should be 1s. per week, and for cottages with acre allotments 1s. 3d.; whether he is aware that the average in Munster for the former lettings is about 9d. per week, and for the latter 1s.; why therefore should the Local Government Board single out Newcastle West District Council for exceptional treatment and threaten them with legal proceedings unless they complied with the section of the Labourers' Act referred to; and can he hold out any hope for the amendment of the law in this respect, so that councils may be free to fix such rents as in their opinion may be in harmony with local needs and requirements?

It is the duty of each rural district council, under the section quoted, to fix rents in the schedule to their regulations so as to secure a reasonable return, having regard to the circumstances of the locality affected on the expenditure of the council under the Labourers Acts. If the Local Government Board are satisfied that a council has not fulfilled this requirement, they have no option but to return the regulations for amendment, and they have had to do this in several instances in Munster. It is not the fact that the Newcastle West Rural District Council has been exceptionally treated, or that the Board have insisted that the minimum rents should be as stated by the hon. Member. The Board suggested one shilling per week as the minimum rent for cottages with acre plots and a proportionate charge for cottages with smaller plots, and the council ultimately decided to fix one shilling for cottages with half-acre plots. Regulations providing for these rents being charged were duly confirmed on 31st January. The average weekly rents in Munster under the regulations made by the district councils and confirmed by the Board are about one shilling and a penny, and eleven pence respectively. No amendment of the law in the direction indicated in the question is desirable.

asked whether the attention of the Local Government Board has been drawn to the fact that, although the sites for labourers' cottages in Lisbellow district of Enniskillen union were acquired and paid for many months ago, and contractors for building on them obtained, the sites have not yet in many instances been laid out, and the work is not being proceeded with; and will the Local Government Board urge on the council the importance of proceeding at once to utilise the sites?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question asked on the 20th instant by the hon. Member for South Fermanagh. The Local Government Board understand that the contractor has now promised to assist the engineer in laying out the remaining plots in connection with his contract.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any arrangements have been made by the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland with the heads of the denominational training colleges for the admission to training of teachers employed at present under the Board to the course commencing September, 1911; and, having regard to the number of trained teachers who are unable to obtain positions-whether he will recommend to the National Board the advisability of refusing further admissions to externs until the assistant teachers now in the service have had an opportunity of receiving a course of training?

The Commissioners of National Education reserve to themselves the power to require a certain number of places in a training college to be set apart for untrained teachers employed in national schools, and they have under consideration at present the question of the extent to which they will exercise that power. With regard to the last paragraph the Commissioners state that the proposal is not practicable. Assistant teachers do not come forward in sufficient numbers to fill the vacacies in the Training Colleges, and if it were possible to adopt the proposal the supply of new trained teachers to fill vacancies in schools would be stopped. The Commissioners are taking measures to ensure that, so far as possible, vacancies in the teaching staffs of the schools shall be filled by trained teachers.

asked the Chief Secretary how many applicants, having no connection whatever with the Board of National Education, were admitted for training to the several training colleges in September, 1910; how many applications for admission to these colleges were received from teachers actually in the service; how many of these were favourably received; how many extern candidates examined in July, 1910, at the several training colleges failed to qualify at the King's scholarship examination; how many trained teachers are at present unemployed; and how many untrained teachers are at present employed by the National Board?

The number of candidates having no connection with the Board of National Education who were admitted for training to the several training colleges in 1910 was 405. The number of teachers who, according to returns received from the college authorities, were applicants for admission to these colleges, was 305. Of these 81 were favourably received. The number of King's scholars, who on admission to training had no previous connection with the Commissioners, and who failed at the final college examination in July, 1910, was 17. The Commissioners are not in a position to give the number of recently trained teachers who are at present unemployed. The number of untrained teachers in the service of the Commissioners on 31st December, 1909, was 4,345. The figures for 1910 are not yet available.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the evicted farms of Cragg and Ardcrone, which were purchased by the Congested Districts Board several years ago, are still in the hands of the Board, and that representations have from time to time been made by various public bodies and all the public men in the county, with a view to having the lands restored to the former tenants or their representatives; and whether, for the peace of the district, he will see that steps are taken to bring about a settlement of the matter?

The farms referred to are still in the hands of the Congested Districts Board. In December, 1909, the Congested Districts Board agreed to dispose of the lands to representatives of the former occupiers, who had failed to pay the annuities due to the Land Commission, provided the following conditions could be secured—viz.; That there should be no loss of public funds incurred; that the persons to be put in occupation appeared to be suitable and likely to succeed as farmers. The Board's offer was communicated to the parties claiming to be the representatives of the former occupiers and refused by them. The Board do not propose to take any further action in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received a resolution from the Kilmacthomas board of guardians, county Waterford, asking him to introduce legislation to enable the guardians to board out children, other than orphan or deserted children, to suitable foster parents; is there any reason why the discretionary powers possessed by boards of guardians in England, Scotland, and Wales in this matter should not be extended to boards of guardians in Ireland; and will he take steps to meet the wishes of the Poor Law guardians in Ireland in this matter?

I have seen the resolution referred to in the question. In England the classes that may be boarded out are regulated by order of the Local Government Board, but in Ireland they are defined by statute. The matter will be taken into consideration when the whole question of Poor Law Reform for Ireland is dealt with, or upon the first convenient opportunity.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state when an application was received from Mrs. Margaret M'Gonnell to be reinstated in the farm in the townland of Knocknagrave, county Monaghan, on the estate of Sir John Leslie, from which her deceased husband, Hugh M'Gonnell, was evicted; what reply was given by the Estates Commissioners to her application; will he now state the grounds for their reply; and will he cause the case to be reopened and inquiries made with a view to seeing if this applicant can be provided with another farm instead of that from which her husband was evicted?

The Estates Commissioners received on 25th August, 1906, an application from Mrs. Margaret M'Gonnell seeking reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by her on the estate of Sir John Leslie and now in the possession of another tenant, and after inquiry and consideration decided to take no action in the matter. Mrs. M'Gonnell was so informed, and the Commissioners see no reason for altering their decision in the matter. It is not the practice of the Commissioners to state the reasons which actuate them in the exercise of the statutory discretion vested in them.

asked the Chief Secretary whether it is the intention of the Estates Commissioners to reinstate Michael O'Rourke, Bohernagore, Kilmallock, in the holding he was evicted from on the estate of Colonel Lowe, Sunville, Ardpatrick, county Limerick; and, whether, having regard to the harsh circumstances under which this man was evicted, steps will be taken to provide him with an equivalent as soon as possible?

The Estates Commissioners received an application from Michael O'Rourke seeking reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by him on the Lowe Estate. His application was received after 1st May, 1907, the date mentioned in the Evicted Tenants (Ireland) Act, 1907, and could not, therefore, be dealt with under that Act. The Commissioners may be able to consider his case when they are dealing with the estate on which his former holding is situated.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he was aware that in connection with a contract recently carried out at the Limerick barracks it is alleged that a considerable amount of the joinery work was made under unfair conditions, and that when the officer in command was approached and asked to give information upon the matter he declined; and whether he will give instructions that these officers when applied to for information of this description must give it?

A report has been called for concerning the alleged unfair work.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he would give a return of the number of men serving in the Army at Home under the age of twenty in the artillery, cavalry, and infantry, respectively; and if he would give the number of men serving in the Special Reserve who have not reached the age of twenty?

The figures for the rank and file serving in the Regular Army at home on the 1st February were as follows:—

Household Cavalry	120
Cavalry of the Line	1,955
Royal Artillery	4,994
Foot Guards	982
Infantry of the Line	16,247

As regards the Special Reserve the figures for the 1st October, 1910, are the latest available and are as follows:—

Category (a)	16,789
Category (b)	151
Total	16,940

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the possibility of making arrangements for the payment of soldiers' pensions weekly?

Arrangements can be made for the weekly payments in cases where circumstances render it desirable, but a universal system of weekly payments would not be in the best interests of the majority of the men.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is still inquiring or will reopen inquiry, into the case of ex-Inspector Syme, and will cause a special inquiry to be made into the questions of administration and discipline in the Metropolitan Police raised thereby?

The answer to these questions is in the negative. Every point in the case has already been fully inquired into.

asked whether attention has been called to the case of Frank Mills, a postman, residing at Mitcham Lane, Streatham, who was charged, convicted, and sentenced to a month's imprisonment or a fine of 40s. at the South-Western Court as a suspect loitering in High Road, Streatham; and whether this employé of the General Post Office will, consequent on his conviction, lose his position and means of livelihood?

I find on inquiry that the facts are as stated in the first part of the question. The man was arrested at 1.45 a.m. by two police constables, who saw him trying to enter several lock-up shops. The question whether, in these circumstances, he should be retained in the public service rests with the Postmaster-General.

asked the Home Secretary, with regard to the interference with the traffic in busy London thoroughfares caused by large and slow-moving vehicles keeping the middle of the road, whether he is aware that stringent regulations are in force in other great cities to compel such vehicles to keep close to the kerb; and whether he will arm the police with power to enforce similar regulations in London?

The power to make regulations under Section 78 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act requiring the drivers of heavy and slow-moving vehicles to keep to a particular portion of the street does not extend to London. It would be possible for the London County Council to make a by-law applying this requirement to those of the London streets in which its enforcement would be of adtage and practicable. Such a by-law was under consideration a few years ago, but its consideration was postponed pending the Report of the Royal Commission on London Traffic. The remarks of that Commission on the subject will be found on pages 90 and 91 of the Report. I will consider the matter and communicate with the London County Council.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can hold out any hope in the immediate future of being able to sell eighteen penny and twelve halfpenny stamps for 2s. in the books of stamps issued by the Post Office; and if he will state the amount received from advertisements in the alternate leaves of the books in question?

As I stated when replying to a question in this House on 21st November last, the change desired by the hon. Member will be effected, with some other postal reforms, at the time of the Coronation. The cost of manufacturing books of stamps will be covered from the revenue derived from the advertisements they will contain.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the recent increase in the maximum rates of pay from 62s. to 65s. in the case of telegraphists in the London Central Office, and of the increase up to 56s. in the case of telegraphists in Class lb centres, he will consider the grant of an increase proportionate to the foregoing in Class la centres where the maximum rates have not been changed?

Both the 65s. maximum for the Central Telegraph; Office and the 56s. maximum for Provincial Class IA and Class IB Offices were recommended for the Select Committee of 1906–7, and I should not feel justified in departing from those recommendations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what had been the importation in recent years of butter and cheese from Canada; whether any explanation can be given for the decline since 1906; and what effect upon British supplies and prices does he anticipate from the opening of the United States markets to Canadian butter and cheese?

The following statement shows for the years 1906 to 1910, inclusive, the quantity and value of butter and cheese imported into the United Kingdom from: Canada:—

Year.	Butter.		Cheese.
	Quantity Imported.	Value of Imports.	Quantity Imported.	Value of Imports.
	Cwts.	£	Cwts.	£
1906	187,377	957,202	1,908,555	5,584,404
1907	34,705	175,297	1,687,789	4,961,043
1908	48,084	239,748	1,508,565	4,459,798
1909	22,522	120,083	1,566,546	4,518,539
1910	16,805	90,797	1,607,074	4,424,806

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is yet able to make known the decision of the Treasury regarding the memorial sent to the President of the Board of Agriculture in February, 1910, from the Royal Gardens, Kew, Employés' Union?

The Treasury are unable to agree to any further concessions being made to the gardeners employed at Kew Gardens, and the memorialists will be so informed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the value of the imports (for Home consumption), and the exports (domestic produce) of articles wholly or mainly manufactured, and raw materials and articles mainly

A.—VALUES OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS.
Country.		Year.	Articles wholly or mainly manufactured.*		Raw materials and articles mainly unmanufactured.*
			Imports (for Home Consumption).	Exports (Domestic Produce).	Imports (for Home Consumption).	Exports (Domestic Produce).
			£	£	£	£
United Kingdom	…	1908	116,328,000†	234,093,000	133,400,000†	36,137,000
		1910§	129,502,000†	343,023,000	197,932,000†	53,337,000
United States	…	1903‡	94,480,000	97,479,000	68,852,000	85,142,000
		1910‡§	136,061,000	160,064,000	118,364,000	117,714,000
Germany	…	1903	59,391,000	161,326,000	139,755,000	60,149,000
		1910§	88,762,000	244,280,000	216,391,000	85,968,000
France	…	1903	82,756,000	96,640,000	120,828,000	47,028,000
		1910§	53,876,000	137,030,000	165,845,000	71,957,000

B.—IMPORTS AND EXPORTS PER HEAD OF THE POPULATION.
Country.		Year.	Articles wholly or mainly manufactured.*						Raw materials and articles mainly un manufactured.*
			Imports (for Home Consumption) Per Head.			Exports (Domestic Produce) Per Head.			Imports (for Home Consumption) Per Head.			Exports (Domestic Produce) Per Head.
			£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.	£	s.	d.
United Kingdom	…	1903	2	14	11†	5	10	6	3	3	0†		17	1
		1910§	2	17	0†	7	10	11	4	7	1†	1	3	6
United States	…	1903‡	1	3	6	1	4	3		17	2	1	1	2
		1910‡§	1	10	3	1	15	7	1	6	4	1	6	2
Germany	…	1903	1	0	2	2	14	10	2	7	6	1	0	5
		1910§	1	7	4	3	15	2	3	6	7	1	6	5
France	…	1903		16	9	2	9	4	3	1	9	1	4	0
		1910§	1	7	5	3	9	9	4	4	5	1	16	8
* As classified in the Returns of the several countries.									‡ Years ended 30th June.
‡ Net Imports, i.e., Total Imports less Re-Exports.									§ Provisional figures.

NOTE.—The systems of valuation adopted by the several countries differ materially: thus, for the United Kingdom the values represent Declared values at United Kingdom ports. For the United States the Import values are those at the port whence shipped to the United States, while the Export values are those at the United States port of shipment. For Germany the values given for Imports and Exports in 1903 and for Imports in 1910 are almost entirely Official values, whilst for Exports in 1910 the values of "Manufactures" are mostly Declared Values, and those of "Raw Materials" mostly Official values. The values of French Imports and Exports are almost entirely Official values.

presented the following statement:—